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Isle of Arran
Brodick Castle, Goat Fell and the stone circles of Machrie Moor
Arran is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde, about 432 square kilometres with a population of 4,618 according to Wikipedia. The ferry from Ardrossan takes 55 minutes to Brodick, so it is one of the easiest Scottish islands to reach from Glasgow by train and boat. The north is mountainous, rising to Goat Fell; the south is gentler farmland and coast.
Brodick has the ferry, Brodick Castle and the path up Goat Fell. Lamlash looks across to Holy Isle, and Whiting Bay has the walk to Glenashdale Falls. In the north-west, Lochranza has a castle and a distillery, while Machrie Moor holds Bronze Age stone circles. The 107 km Arran Coastal Way circles the whole island.
- Ardrossan to Brodick55 minutesCalMac; Troon to Brodick takes 80 minutes
- Claonaig to Lochranza30 minutesCalMac's summer link with Kintyre
- Punto più altoGoat Fell, 874 mNational Trust for Scotland
- Population4,618Wikipedia; the largest island in the Firth of Clyde
Zone
2 places to begin
Each area has its own mini guide with 17 sights, places to eat and drink, and where to stay across the city.
Brodick, Lamlash and Whiting Bay
Brodick Castle, Goat Fell, Holy Isle and the falls above Whiting Bay
Apri la mini guida →
Lochranza, Machrie and the south-west
Lochranza Castle and distillery, Machrie Moor stone circles and the King's Cave
Apri la mini guida →Luoghi da vedere
Highlights across Isle of Arran
A sight from each area. Every area guide lists the rest, with directions and official links.
Brodick Castle
Former seat of the Dukes of Hamilton outside Brodick, now cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.
Lochranza Castle
Tower house of the 1500s built from a hall-house of the 1200s, on a peninsula in Loch Ranza.
Goat Fell
Arran's highest point at 874 m; the National Trust for Scotland says it is a favourite of hill walkers and climbers.
Arran Distillery
Distillery founded in 1995 at Lochranza, with tours, tastings and Casks café.
Holy Isle
Island about 3 km long inside Lamlash Bay, seen across the water from Lamlash.
Machrie Moor Standing Stones
Stone circles, standing stones and cairns dating from 3500 to 1500 BC, scattered across open moorland.
Glenashdale Falls
Series of falls on the Glenashdale Burn, reached by a trail of about 4 km up the glen from Whiting Bay.
Moss Farm Road Stone Circle
Looks like a stone circle but is a burial cairn, at the start of the farm road across Machrie Moor.
Foto
1 / 6With kids in Isle of Arran
Animal attractions, railways, science centres, beaches and caves from our Isle of Arran guide, grouped by type. We hold no age ratings or child prices: check each place’s own site for age limits, height rules and family tickets.
Caves and underground
King's CaveSea cave, Lochranza, Machrie and the south-west
Practical help: travelling with children and where to stay in Isle of Arran.
Come arrivare
Arriving in Isle of Arran
CalMac ferries sail to Brodick from Ardrossan and Troon, and to Lochranza from Claonaig on Kintyre. Book vehicle space in advance and read CalMac's service status before you travel.
Ferry to Brodick
CalMac lists Ardrossan to Brodick at 55 minutes and Troon to Brodick at 80 minutes.
Train from Glasgow
CalMac says the train from Glasgow Central to Ardrossan Harbour takes about 45 minutes, and to Troon about 42 minutes.
Ferry from Kintyre to Lochranza
The Claonaig to Lochranza crossing takes 30 minutes. Claonaig is around 2 hours 40 minutes' drive from Glasgow, according to CalMac.
Journey times are CalMac's own figures, checked on 3 November 2026. We do not publish timetables or fares.
In auto
CalMac describes three main routes: the loop road round the coast, the String Road (B880) across the middle, and the single-track Ross Road.
In autobus
Public buses cover north Arran, south Arran and the String Road, timed around the ferries; taxis and guided tours fill the gaps.
By bike
CalMac lists 15 mountain bike routes and 9 road routes on Arran, with bike hire in several villages.
Paying for local transport in Isle of Arran
ScotRail (Scotland’s trains).ScotRail runs most trains within Scotland. Its tickets page refused automated access, so check ticket types and any Scotland-only offers on its site.ScotRail tickets (opens in new tab)
Quando andare
Isle of Arran through the year
Arran is open all year, but several attractions close in winter.
The Isle of Arran Heritage Museum is closed in winter and reopens on 24 March 2027.
The busiest months on the Ardrossan ferry; book vehicle space ahead and expect busy paths on Goat Fell.
Quieter roads and paths; Historic Scotland sites such as Machrie Moor and Torrylin Cairn are open all year.
FAQ
Da sapere prima di partire
Can I visit Arran as a day trip from Glasgow?
Yes. CalMac says the train to Ardrossan Harbour takes about 45 minutes and the ferry to Brodick 55 minutes, so a day visit is possible.
How high is Goat Fell?
The National Trust for Scotland gives 874 m (2,867 ft). It is a serious hill walk; take proper clothing and check the weather.
Do I need a car on Arran?
No. Buses run round the island and across the String Road, and the Arran Coastal Way is a waymarked walking route.
Nearby places
Guides near Isle of Arran
Our closest other guides, by straight-line distance between centres. Road and rail distances are longer: check a journey planner.
Crediti fotografici
- Isle of Arran (header): grumpylumixuser, CC BY 3.0, source
- Brodick, Lamlash and Whiting Bay: Sir Gawain, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Lochranza, Machrie and the south-west: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Brodick Castle: Sir Gawain, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Lochranza Castle: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Goat Fell: wfmillar, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Arran Distillery: paul birrell, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Holy Isle: Colin, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Machrie Moor Standing Stones: Colin, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Glenashdale Falls: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Moss Farm Road Stone Circle: David Baird, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Giants' Graves: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Auchagallon Stone Circle: David Baird, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Kildonan Castle: Vincent van Zeijst, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- King's Cave: AlistairMcMillan, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Carn Ban: David G Campbell, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Torrylin Cairn: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Pianifichi con cura
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